Armenian Wrestler Wins Silver in Wrestling

On August 6, 2012 in the Olympics games in London, Armenian Greco-Roman wrestler Arsen Julfalakyan won Silver medal. He was up against Russia’s Roman Vlasov in the 74-KG category.

Arsen Julfalakyan was quoted saying:
“Each Olympic medal is a reward for all the years of training. I’m proud of my country. Roman’s victory means he was stronger. Though I wanted gold, I won silver. I will train harder to grab gold next time,”

Roman Vlasov was quoted saying:
“Arsen Julfalakyan was my idol. I admire his style. I was happy to face off against him at 2011 European championships. However, Alexander Karelin remains my true idol. I was lucky to train with him in the same hall and watch him fight. The lessons I reaped helped me win the Olympic gold today,” championat.com quoted Vlasov as saying.

France makes it illegal to deny Armenian Genocide

The French Senate today has passed a bill that makes it illegal to deny the Armenian Genocide. The bill passed by 127 votes against 86, despite major Turkish opposition. Due to Turkish opposition the bill was modified not to mention the Armenian genocide, but to outlaw the denial of any genocide. However, this did not stop Turks from backing away with their opposition and they have threatened to cut ties with France and remove their diplomatic presence in Paris.

The bill renders denial punishable with a year in jail and a fine of 45,000 euros ($58,000).

The bill now goes to President Nicolas Sarkozy to be ratified. Turkey says the bill is a bid by Sarkozy to win the votes of 500,000 ethnic Armenians in France in the two-round presidential vote on April 22 and May 6.

“This day will be written in gold not only in the history of friendship between the Armenian and French peoples, but also in the annals of the history of the protection of human rights,” said Armenia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Edward Nalbandian, reported Reuters.

Back in 2001 France passed a law recognizing the Armenian Genocide.

Armenians in Paris waiting for French Senate to pass vote.

Most Popular Tourist Destinations in Armenia

Armenia is known for many things. Winning the World Chess Olympiad is one. Being the home to Noah’s Ark (a popular story in the Bible) is another. But there is so much more. Several monasteries and cathedrals are under the protection of UNESCO as World Heritage Sites and are popular destination for almost half a million visitors every year from around the world.

Here are the most popular tourist destinations that you can’t miss on a visit to Armenia:

#1: Mount Ararat
Located in the Ararat plain, this area is famous for where Noah’s Ark landed. Mount Ararat is a national symbol of Armenia and if you go there, you must take some pictures of teh mountains in your background. The mountains are visible from most of Armenia, but better picture oppurtunities will be a little outside of the capital Yerevan and closer to the mountains.

#2: Yerevan Republic Square
Located in Yerevan, the nation’s capital, it is where most of the country’s celebrations and festivals are conducted every year.

#3: Victoria Park
Also located in Yerevan, this park is also home to the military museum and the Mother Armenia statue.

#4: Sasuntsi Davit Statue
Armenia’s famous statue of Sasuntsi Davit (David of Sasun) on horseback is located at the Sasuntsi Davit Metro station on Tigran Mets Street in Yerevan.

#5: Yerevan Opera House
The Armenian Opera Theatre in Yerevan is home to many a cultural event celebrated in the form of opera and ballet.

#6: Sardarabad Memorial
A memorial dedicated to the Armenian victory at the battle of Sardarabad in Armavir, Armenia. It is located 40 kilometers west of the city of Yerevan

#7: Tsitsernakaberd Armenian Genocide Memorial & Museum
A memorial dedicated to the victims of the Armenian Genocide; it is located on a hill overlooking Yerevan, Armenia. Every year on April 24, hundreds of thousands of Armenians gather here to remember the victims of the 1915 Armenian Genocide that took place in the Ottoman Empire carried out by the Turkish government.

#8: Lake Sevan
Lake Sevan (Armenian: Sevana lich ) is the largest lake in Armenia and the Caucasus region. It is one of the largest high-altitude lakes in the world. It has many beautiful beaches and points of interest. The most famous cultural monument is the Sevanavank monastery near the town of Sevan at the northwestern shore. Another monastery at the western shore is Hayravank Monastery, and further south, in the village of Noraduz, there is a field of khachkars, a cemetery with approximately 900 khachkars of different styles. Additional khachkars are found at Nerk’in Getashen on the south coast. When the water level fell, many archaeological artifacts were found, 2000 years of age and older (some as old as the early Bronze Age). Most of them are now displayed in Yerevan.

#9: Amberd Fortress & Church
Known as the “Fortress in the Clouds”, it is located in Ashtarak & Byurakan, and is known to date back as far as the 7th century.

#10: Echmiadzin Cathedral
With a beautiful bell tower and rose gardens, this cathedral is considered to be the central church of Armenian Christians and is located in the Armavir Province.

#11: Geghard Monastery
Located in Kotayk Marz, this 4th century monastery is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its splendid architecture.

#12: Yerevan Zoo
An excellent way to entertain your family, this zoo is home to almost 200 animal species, and is located in Yerevan.

# 13: Mount Aragats
Located in the Aragatsotn Province, this mountain is considered to be the highest point in Armenia and definitely worth visiting.

#14: Khor Virap Monastery
The Khor Virap Monastery is a 17th century Church located close to Mt. Ararat. It provides a spectacular and majestic view of Mount Ararat. It is also one of the most visited church and tourist spots of Armenia.

#15: Blue Mosque
Located in Yerevan too, this is one of the oldest religious buildings in Armenia, and is a must-see for every tourist.